Umbilicaria esculenta Extract Exhibits Antiwrinkle Activity by Suppressing ErbB2 Phosphorylation.

Umbilicaria esculenta (UE), an edible lichen, is widespread in northeast Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Korea. In the present study, we examined the antiwrinkle activity of UE. We observed that the UE extract (UEE) suppressed ultraviolet (UV)-induced matrix metalloprotein-1 (MMP-1) expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and human skin tissue. In addition, UEE reversed the UV-induced decrease in collagen in the human skin tissue. Excessive and chronic UV exposure is a key factor underlying skin wrinkle formation via MMP-1 expression. As treatment with UEE disrupted the UV-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, we applied an antibody array to unveil the underlying mechanism of UEE. Interestingly, UEE treatment inhibited ErbB2 phosphorylation, but not epidermal growth factor receptor phosphorylation, a heterodimerization partner with ErbB2. Furthermore, UEE treatment enhanced UV-suppressed phosphatase activity via ROS suppression. Collectively, our findings indicate that UEE enhances ErbB2 dephosphorylation to suppress UV-induced MMP-1 expression.

By-product of Korean liquor fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibits skin whitening activity.

Herein, the skin whitening effect of the fermentation residue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated. The fermentation residue showed radical scavenging activity and attenuated tyrosinase activity. Furthermore, the fermentation residue of S. cerevisiae significantly suppressed melanin generation in B16F10 cells. Interestingly, the sample-containing formulation exhibited increased skin whitening activity compared with that by the control formulation in a clinical study. Notably, the endogenous tyrosinase expression was not altered by the fermentation residue of S. cerevisiae; however, the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase was inhibited. Furthermore, the sample did not change TRP1 and TRP2 expression in B16F10 cells. Thus, the fermentation residue of S. cerevisiae was assumed to directly suppress the tyrosinase enzyme. It was confirmed that the fermentation residue of S. cerevisiae was a competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase. Taken together, the fermentation residue of S. cerevisiae could be a novel skin whitening agent originating from the traditional Korean liquor production process. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01062-7.

Rose (Rosa gallica) Petal Extract Suppress Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells through via the EGFR Signaling Pathway.

We sought to investigate the effect of rose petal extract (RPE) on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. RPE significantly inhibited the growth of lung and colorectal cancer cell lines, with rapid suppression of A549 lung cancer cells at low concentrations. These effects occurred concomitantly with downregulation of the cell proliferation mediators PCNA, cyclin D1, and c-myc. In addition, RPE suppressed the migration and invasion of A549 cells by inhibiting the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-2 and -9). We hypothesize that the suppressive activity of RPE against lung cancer cell proliferation and early metastasis occurs via the EGFR-MAPK and mTOR-Akt signaling pathways. These early results highlight the significant potency of RPE, particularly for lung cancer cells, and warrant further investigation.

Panaxydol Derived from Panax ginseng Inhibits G1 Cell Cycle Progression in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via Upregulation of Intracellular Ca2+ Levels.

Panaxydol, a polyacetylenic compound derived from Panax ginseng has been reported to suppress the growth of cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying cell cycle arrest by this compound in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are unknown. Our study found that panaxydol treatment induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase in NSCLC cells. The cell cycle arrest was accompanied by down-regulation of the protein expression of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2, CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D1 and cyclin E, and decrease in the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma (Rb) protein. Furthermore, up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p21CIP1/WAF1 and p27KIP1 was observed in panaxydol-treated NSCLC cells. In addition, panaxydol also induced accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). (Acetyloxy)methyl 2-({2-[(acetyloxy)methoxy]-2-oxoethyl}[2-(2-{2-[bis({2-[(acetyloxy)methoxy]-2-oxoethyl})amino]phenoxy}ethoxy)phenyl]amino)acetate (BAPTA-AM), the Ca2+ chelator, attenuated not only panaxydol-induced accumulation of [Ca2+]i, but also G1 cell cycle arrest and decrease of CDK6 and cyclin D1 protein expression level. These results demonstrated that the anti-proliferative effects of panaxydol were caused by cell cycle arrest, which is closely linked to the up-regulation of [Ca2+]i and represents a promising approach for the treatment of lung cancer.

Antiskin Inflammatory Activity of Black Ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) through Antioxidative Activity.

Kaempferia parviflora (Krachaidum (KD)) is a traditional herbal medicine and has properties that are beneficial for human health. In the current study, we sought to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of KD extract (KPE). In mouse skin tissue, UV light representing solar wavelengths (sUV) increased COX-2 expression, while treatment with KPE reduced this effect. The anti-inflammatory activity of KPE was confirmed in in vitro models. MAPK signaling pathways were activated by sUV irradiation, and this was also repressed in the presence of KPE treatment. It is assumed that the anti-inflammatory activity of KPE is caused by the antioxidative effect. Furthermore, we confirmed the critical role of oxidative stress in sUV-induced COX-2 expression. We analyzed the polyphenol composition of KPE. Of the polyphenols identified, gallic acid, apigenin, and tangeretin were identified as the major polyphenols (at 9.31 ± 1.27, 2.37 ± 0.14, and 2.15 ± 0.19 µg/mg dry weight, resp.). Collectively, these findings show that in the presence of sUV irradiation, KD has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidative effects in the skin.

Compound K induced apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release through ryanodine receptor in human lung cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Extended endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress may initiate apoptotic pathways in cancer cells, and ER stress has been reported to possibly increase tumor death in cancer therapy. We previously reported that caspase-8 played an important role in compound K-induced apoptosis via activation of caspase-3 directly or indirectly through Bid cleavage, cytochrome c release, and caspase-9 activation in HL-60 human leukemia cells. The mechanisms leading to apoptosis in A549 and SK-MES-1 human lung cancer cells and the role of ER stress have not yet been understood. METHODS: The apoptotic effects of compound K were analyzed using flow cytometry, and the changes in protein levels were determined using Western blot analysis. The intracellular calcium levels were monitored by staining with Fura-2/AM and Fluo-3/AM. RESULTS: Compound K-induced ER stress was confirmed through increased phosphorylation of eIF2α and protein levels of GRP78/BiP, XBP-1S, and IRE1α in human lung cancer cells. Moreover, compound-K led to the accumulation of intracellular calcium and an increase in m-calpain activities that were both significantly inhibited by pretreatment either with BAPTA-AM (an intracellular Ca2+ chelator) or dantrolene (an RyR channel antagonist). These results were correlated with the outcome that compound K induced ER stress-related apoptosis through caspase-12, as z-ATAD-fmk (a specific inhibitor of caspase-12) partially ameliorated this effect. Interestingly, 4-PBA (ER stress inhibitor) dramatically improved the compound K-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Cell survival and intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis during ER stress in human lung cancer cells are important factors in the induction of the compound K-induced apoptotic pathway.

Dammarane-type triterpene ginsenoside-Rg18 inhibits human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cell proliferation via G1 phase arrest.

A previous study reported that a novel dammarane-type triterpene saponin, ginsenoside-Rg18, derived from the root of Panax ginseng, displayed hydroxyl radical scavenging, anti-bacterial and cytotoxic activities. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of its anti-proliferative effect on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells remains unclear. In the present study, it was determined that Rg18 inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 150 µM. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that cell cycle progression was blocked by Rg18 at G1 phase in A549 cells, which was accompanied by downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D1, cyclin D2, cyclin E and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein expression at the protein level. In addition, the CDK inhibitors (CDKNs), CDKN1A and CDKN1B, were upregulated following Rg18 treatment. Furthermore, Rg18 treatment resulted in the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and a dose-dependent inhibition of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/p65 phosphorylation. Taken together, Rg18-mediated G1 phase arrest was closely associated with the generation of intracellular ROS, and p38, JNK and NF-κB/p65 inhibition in A549 human NSCLC cells.

High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of phytosterols in Panax ginseng root grown under different conditions.

BACKGROUND: The Panax ginseng plant is used as an herbal medicine. Phytosterols of P. ginseng have inhibitory effects on inflammation-related factors in HepG2 cells. METHODS: Phytosterols (e.g., stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol) in the roots of P. ginseng grown under various conditions were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The P. ginseng roots analyzed in this study were collected from three cultivation areas in Korea (i.e., Geumsan, Yeongju, and Jinan) and differed by cultivation year (i.e., 4 years, 5 years, and 6 years) and production process (i.e., straight ginseng, red ginseng, and white ginseng). RESULTS: The concentrations of stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol in P. ginseng roots were 2.22-23.04 mg/g and 7.35-59.09 mg/g, respectively. The highest concentrations of stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol were in the roots of 6-year-old P. ginseng cultivated in Jinan (82.14 mg/g and 53.23 mg/g, respectively). CONCLUSION: Six-year-old white ginseng and white ginseng cultivated in Jinan containing stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol are potentially a new source of income in agriculture.

Enzyme activity, amino acid profiles and hydroxymethylfurfural content in Ethiopian monofloral honey.

The enzymes activity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and amino acids in honeys are relatively low. However, they play very significant role for honey quality. In this study, enzymes, amino acids and HMF contents of Ethiopian monofloral honeys were investigated. Diastase, invertase and HMF were analyzed based on the Harmonized International Honey Commission method and amino acids using amino acids analyzer (HPLC). Diastase activity ranged from 3.91 ± 0.730 (Schefflera abyssinica) to 13.6 ± 2.30 [Becium grandiflorum (L: Lalibella)]; invertase 36.5 ± 1.93 (Leucas abyssinica) to 4.85 ± 2.36 (Schefflera abyssinica); and HMF 0 ± 0 (Hypoestes and Leucas abyssinica) to 3.37 ± 1.73 (Croton macrostachyus). Significant variations were observed among Schefflera abyssinica honeys in diastase content, despite being from the same botanical origin. Significant variations were also observed among Becium grandiflorum honeys in invertase and diastase contents. Bees' geographical race and location affected enzymes activities. Lower level of enzymes could be an intrinsic characteristic of Ethiopian honey. Thus, enzymes activity alone cannot be a worthwhile indicator of quality for Ethiopian honey; besides diastase and invertase activity, the quality control of Ethiopian honeys should be supported by HMF parameters.

Quality and characteristics of fermented ginseng seed oil based on bacterial strain and extraction method.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the fermentation of ginseng seeds was hypothesized to produce useful physiologically-active substances, similar to that observed for fermented ginseng root. Ginseng seed was fermented using Bacillus, Pediococcus, and Lactobacillus strains to extract ginseng seed oil, and the extraction yield, color, and quantity of phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and phytosterol were then analyzed. METHODS: The ginseng seed was fermented inoculating 1% of each strain on sterilized ginseng seeds and incubating the seeds at 30°C for 24 h. Oil was extracted from the fermented ginseng seeds using compression extraction, solvent extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The color of the fermented ginseng seed oil did not differ greatly according to the fermentation or extraction method. The highest phenolic compound content recovered with the use of supercritical fluid extraction combined with fermentation using the Bacillus subtilis Korea Food Research Institute (KFRI) 1127 strain. The fatty acid composition did not differ greatly according to fermentation strain and extraction method. The phytosterol content of ginseng seed oil fermented with Bacillus subtilis KFRI 1127 and extracted using the supercritical fluid method was highest at 983.58 mg/100 g. Therefore, our results suggested that the ginseng seed oil fermented with Bacillus subtilis KFRI 1127 and extracted using the supercritical fluid method can yield a higher content of bioactive ingredients, such as phenolics, and phytosterols, without impacting the color or fatty acid composition of the product.

Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of devil's club (Oplopanax horridus) leaves.

This study aimed to investigate the anti-oxidative properties of the ethanolic extracts of the devil's club (Oplopanax horridus) leaves, stems, and roots. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf extract was analyzed. The leaf extract had higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents and anti-oxidative activity (radical scavenging, reducing power, and inhibition of lipid oxidation) than the root and stem extracts. The leaf extract also had anti-inflammatory effects. It significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO; 71.0% at 50 µg/mL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (87.6% at 100 µg/mL), and interleukin (IL)-6 (36.2% at 100 µg/mL) production in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was decreased by the leaf extract (IC50=24.4 µg/mL). The ultra performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (UPLC-DAD) analysis showed that the leaf extract contained gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, and maltol. These findings suggest that the leaf extract could be utilized as a functional food material because of its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Resveratrol analogue (E)-8-acetoxy-2-[2-(3,4-diacetoxyphenyl)ethenyl]-quinazoline induces apoptosis via Fas-mediated pathway in HL-60 human leukemia cells.

Previously, we reported that (E)-8-acetoxy-2-[2-(3,4-diacetoxyphenyl)ethenyl]-quinazoline (8-ADEQ), a synthetic analogue of resveratrol had anti-inflammatory and G2/M cell cycle arrest activities, but the underlying molecular mechanism of cytotoxic effects of this compound was not determined. In this study, 8-ADEQ displayed potent cytotoxicity and triggered apoptosis in HL-60 cells as evidenced by DNA fragmentation, DNA ladder formation, and the externalization of Annexin V-targeted phosphatidylserine residues in HL-60 cells. In addition, 8-ADEQ triggered activation of caspases-8, -9, -6 and -3 and cleavage of their substrates such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Moreover, 8-ADEQ induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and release of cytochrome c to the cytosol. Caspase-3 inhibitor (z-DEVD-fmk), caspase-8 inhibitor (z-IETD-fmk), caspase-9 inhibitor (z-LEHD), and broad caspase inhibitor (z-VAD­fmk) significantly suppressed the 8-ADEQ-induced DNA fragmentation. Interestingly, pretreatment with z-IETD-fmk, a caspase-8 inhibitor, completely abolished 8-ADEQ-induced caspase-3 and -9 activation, and subsequent DNA fragmentation. 8-ADEQ also increased the expression of Fas, Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and FasL, and formation of death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). Further analysis revealed that 8-ADEQ-induced apoptosis was mediated by upregulation of reactive oxidative species (ROS) generation. Taken together, our data indicated that 8-ADEQ-stimulated apoptosis in HL-60 leukemia cells is due to a Fas-mediated caspase-8-dependent pathway via ROS generation, but also, to a lesser extent cytochrome c release and caspase-9 activation.

Immune-Enhancing Effects of a High Molecular Weight Fraction of Cynanchum wilfordii Hemsley in Macrophages and Immunosuppressed Mice.

The objective of this study was to investigate the immune-enhancing activity of a high molecular weight fraction (HMF) of Cynanchum wilfordii in RAW 264.7 macrophages and the cyclophosphamide (CYC)-induced mouse model of immunosuppression. To identify the bioactive substances of HMF, a crude polysaccharide (HMFO) was obtained and treated with sodium periodate (an oxidation agent) or digested with protease. In macrophages, HMF treatment enhanced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß)), as well as phagocytic ability. In CYC-immunosuppressed mice, HMF improved relative spleen and thymus weights, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and splenic lymphocyte proliferation. These increases in NO and cytokines were mediated by up-regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Periodate treatment, but not protease treatment, decreased the immune-enhancing activity of HMFO, suggesting that polysaccharides are the active ingredients in C. wilfordii extract.

Effect of High Temperature- and High Pressure-Treated Red Ginseng on Lipolysis and Lipid Oxidation in C2C12 Myotubes.

Korean red ginseng (KRG), a highly valuable medicinal herb in oriental societies, has biological activity similar to that of Panax ginseng. Recently, it has been discovered that the biological activities of red ginseng can vary according to heating and steaming processes under different conditions that change the principal components of KRG and result in changes in biological activity. This study evaluated and compared the effects of high temperature- and high pressure-treated red ginseng (HRG) and commercial red ginseng (RG) on ß-oxidation in C2C12 myotubes. HRG enhanced the phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), but RG did not affect the phosphorylation of AMPK in C2C12 myotubes. HRG also promoted the nuclear translocation of forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), and the translocation exerted an increase in the protein expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). As a consequence, HRG increased the mRNA expression level of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) compared to the control. Taken together, our results indicated that HRG promotes the lipolysis of triglycerides and mitochondrial ß-oxidation of fatty acids in C2C12 myotubes, suggesting that alterations to the principal components by high temperature and pressure may positively influence the nutraceutical functions of HRG.

White ginseng extract induces immunomodulatory effects via the MKK4-JNK pathway.

Panax ginseng Meyer (white ginseng) is a popular functional food and its biological effects on the human body have been noted for hundreds of years. In the present study, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the immunomodulatory effects of white ginseng extract (WGE) were investigated. WGE increased NO production via upregulation of iNOS expression levels. Mouse cytokine array results also revealed that the expression of 13 cytokines was elevated by WGE treatment in IFN-γ-primed macrophage cells. Although both MKK4-JNK and MEK-ERK signaling pathways were activated after treatment with WGE, only the MKK4-JNK signaling pathway appears to have any significant immunomodulatory significance. Oral administration of WGE for 28 days recovered cyclophosphamide (CY)-induced suppression of the immune system in mice via the MKK4-JNK pathway. Taken together, these findings suggest that the MKK4-JNK signaling pathway is a crucial mechanism of WGE-induced immunomodulation.

Novel Dammarane-Type Triterpene Saponins from Panax ginseng Root.

Four phytochemical constituents were isolated from Panax ginseng root by repeated column chromatography (CC), medium pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC), high-speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC), and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated as the dammarane-type triterpene saponins ginsenoside-Rg18 (1), 6-acetyl ginsenoside-Rg3 (2), ginsenoside-Rs11 (3), and ginsenoside-Re7 (4) based on spectral data. Compounds 1-4 from P. ginseng root were new compounds from nature. They showed good hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. However, they did not show any anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, they inhibited the growth of adenocarcinoma gastric stomach cells. Among them, ginsenoside-Rs11 (3) showed the best anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer activities.

Quantification of maltol in Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) products by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector.

BACKGROUND: Maltol, as a type of phenolic compounds, is produced by the browning reaction during the high-temperature treatment of ginseng. Thus, maltol can be used as a marker for the quality control of various ginseng products manufactured by high-temperature treatment including red ginseng. For the quantification of maltol in Korean ginseng products, an effective high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method was developed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The HPLC-DAD method for maltol quantification coupled with a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method was developed and validated in terms of linearity, precision, and accuracy. An HPLC separation was performed on a C18 column. RESULTS: The LLE methods and HPLC running conditions for maltol quantification were optimized. The calibration curve of the maltol exhibited good linearity (R (2) = 1.00). The limit of detection value of maltol was 0.26 µg/mL, and the limit of quantification value was 0.79 µg/mL. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the data of the intra- and inter-day experiments were <1.27% and 0.61%, respectively. The results of the recovery test were 101.35-101.75% with an RSD value of 0.21-1.65%. The developed method was applied successfully to quantify the maltol in three ginseng products manufactured by different methods. CONCLUSION: The results of validation demonstrated that the proposed HPLC-DAD method was useful for the quantification of maltol in various ginseng products.

Quality and antioxidant activity of ginseng seed processed by fermentation strains.

BACKGROUND: Fermentation technology is widely used to alter the effective components of ginseng. This study was carried out to analyze the characteristics and antioxidant activity of ginseng seeds fermented by Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus strains. METHODS: For ginseng seed fermentation, 1% of each strain was inoculated on sterilized ginseng seeds and then incubated at 30°C for 24 h in an incubator. RESULTS: The total sugar content, acidic polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds, including p-coumaric acid, were higher in extracts of fermented ginseng seeds compared to a nonfermented control, and highest in extracts fermented with B. subtilis KFRI 1127. Fermentation led to higher antioxidant activity. The 2,2'-azine-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity was higher in ginseng seeds fermented by Bacillus subtilis than by Lactobacillus and Pediococcus, but Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity was higher in ginseng seeds fermented by Lactobacillus and Pediococcus. CONCLUSION: Antioxidant activities measured by ABTS and SOD were higher in fermented ginseng seeds compared to nonfermented ginseng seeds. These results may contribute to improving the antioxidant activity and quality of ginseng subjected to fermentation treatments.

Inhibitory effect of high temperature- and high pressure-treated red ginseng on exercise-induced oxidative stress in ICR mouse.

As previously reported, high temperature- and high pressure-treated red ginseng (HRG) contain higher contents of phenolic compounds and protect C2C12 muscle cells and 3T3-L1 adipocytes against oxidative stress. This study investigated the effect of HRG on oxidative stress using a mouse model. Our results show that the levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase, hepatic malondialdehyde in the HRG group were significantly lower than those of the exercise groups supplemented with commercial red ginseng (CRG) or not supplemented. The muscular glycogen level, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase activities of the HGR group were higher than that of the CGR group. Furthermore, the HRG treatment group displayed upregulated mRNA expression of Cu/Zn-SOD and muscle regulatory factor 4. These results indicate that HRG may protect oxidative stress induced by exercise as well as improve exercise performance capacity.

Characteristic study on the chemical components of Korean curved ginseng products.

Dried ginseng (DG) is in fact the representing ginseng product in the worldwide market. Although it is made in various packages depending on the processing method, size and age of DG, basic scientific data reporting the chemical components are limited. In this study, 4-year-old curved ginseng (CG), one of the domestic DG products, was selected for further investigation. Eighty-six samples of 30 and 50 piece-grade CG, which are the most widely distributed in the market, were collected for 5 yr. Their major components, such as moisture, total sugar, acidic polysaccharides, total phenolic compounds, and saponins, were analyzed to figure out the standard quality characteristics. The moisture content of all CG samples was less than 15%. The total water-soluble sugar contents were 22.9% to 47.8% and 23.2% to 49.5% in the 30 and 50 piece-grade CG, respectively. The acidic polysaccharide contents were 3.6% to 6.7% and 2.9% to 6.9% in the 30 and 50 piece-grade CG, respectively. The total phenolic compound content was 0.4% to 0.5% in CG, regardless of the piece-grade. The crude saponin content, which represents the active component of ginseng, was over 2% in all samples. In 30 piece-grade CG samples, the contents of major ginsenosides, Rb1, Rf, and Rg1, were 2.2 to 4.7 mg/g, 0.4 to 1.3 mg/g, and 1.6 to 4.0 mg/g, respectively. The ginsenoside contents in 50 piece-grade CG samples were 2.1 to 3.9 mg/g (Rb1), 0.5 to 1.2 mg/g (Rf), and 1.3 to 3.4 mg/g (Rg1). Overall, since there were relatively high standard deviation and coefficient of variation in all the chemical component contents that were assessed, we found some difficulties in showing the CG standard chemical component characteristics by average, standard deviation, and other statistical analysis factors.